Briefly, SB 1673, House Amendment #3, shifts normal costs to universities, community colleges and school districts, reduces cost-of-living-adjustments in retirement and offers employees a choice between accepting the lesser, Tier II cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) with access to the state’s retiree health care plan or maintaining the current COLA with a freeze on pay raises counting toward future pension benefits and no access to the state’s retiree health care plan.

At this point, the legislation does not include an increase in the retirement age to 67 or an increase in employee contributions to the retirement systems. A complete analysis of SB 1673, prepared by the State Universities Annuitants Association, was completed early this morning.

STEMfest is a free family event that invites students, families and educators to explore hot new technologies and cool scientific phenomena. Visitors learn about the cool side of science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, informative talks and more.

Wayne Duerkes, a history major at Northern Illinois University, discusses his research project

The Huskies traveled to San Diego to face Utah State on Dec. 26 in the Poinsettia Bowl.

NIU students, faculty and staff show their love for all things Huskie in this epic #HAPPYNIU music video.